Purpose
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) may augment arterial stiffening and thereby modulate left ventricular (LV) function.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an accurate method for assessing aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and distensibility,
both markers of arterial stiffness,
and LV function.
Methods and Materials
Forty-seven patients with well controlled,
uncomplicated short-term DM1,
and 33 age and gender matched healthy subjects were included (21 ± 1.8 vs.
21.1 ± 2 years).
Aortic PWV was calculated by MR velocity mapping at two predefined aortic locations and distensibility in the mid ascending aorta.
LV volumes and systolic function were measured by fast gradient-echo imaging and diastolic function by mitral velocity mapping.
Results
Mean aortic PWV was higher in patients compared to healthy subjects (4.10 ± 0.46 vs.
3.90 ± 0.40 m/s,
p < 0.05) and independent of blood pressure.
PWV correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.
Mitral inflow showed decreased E acceleration peak (6.58 ± 1.54 vs.
7.25 ± 1.28 l/s2,
p < 0.05) and E peak-filling rate (481 ± 100 vs.
521 ± 81 ml/s,
p < 0.05).
There were no differences in aortic distensibility,
LV volumes,
or myocardial mass compared to...
Conclusion
A comprehensive CMR protocol is well suited to assess aortic and cardiac function in diabetic patients.
A combined CMR assessment of aortic PWV,
distensibility,
and heart function revealed abnormal PWV and diastolic function in young patients with short-term DM1,
independent of blood pressure.